Nanoformulation of Phytochemicals to Increase Antifungal Effectiveness Against Pathogens Resistant to Drugs

Introduction: Drug resistance, a lack of effective alternatives, and systemic toxicity are major problems when it comes to treating fungal infections with traditional antifungal medications. Because of its low solubility and bioavailability, the bioactive chemical curcumin, which possesses antifungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics, has restricted therapeutic value. The use of lipid nanoparticles shows promise as a means to improve targeted therapy, bioavailability, and medication delivery. Using the bioactive characteristics of curcumin to improve therapeutic effectiveness while reducing side effects, this study seeks to create and characterize curcumin-loaded lipid nanoparticles (CLNs) for efficient antifungal treatment. Materials and Methods: A solvent evaporation approach was used to create CLNs, and response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization. Drug release in vitro, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI) were some of the characteristics measured for the formulations. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), morphological examination was carried out. By employing the broth microdilution technique, the antifungal activity was assessed in relation to Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. A variety of storage conditions were tested to determine stability. Results: A nanoscale particle size (<200 nm), low PDI (<0.3), and a high entrapment effectiveness (>85%) were observed in the improved CLN formulation. The spherical form was confirmed by TEM scans. Research on the release of drugs in vitro showed that the release lasted for at least 48 hours. Although CLNs had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against fungal strains, their antifungal effectiveness was much higher compared to free curcumin. The formulation remained intact for 90 days, according to stability testing. Conclusion: Improved bioavailability, prolonged release, and higher antifungal activity were seen in curcumin-loaded lipid nanoparticles, suggesting that they may be an efficient antifungal delivery strategy. This method has the potential to reduce systemic toxicity and overcome drug resistance, making it a viable alternative to traditional antifungal treatments.